A new study has found that elderly people with a diet high in fat and sugar scored worse on mental acuity tests than those who had diets rich in vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids.

The study - published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology - also showed the brain shrinkage commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease could be reduced by maintaining a healthy diet.

A report by a leading New South Wales advocacy body has found that those interacting with mental health services in the state required more resources and choice in their treatment.

The survey - commissioned by the NSW ministry for health and carried out by Consumer Advisory Group Mental Health Inc - questioned 3,500 patients and found that more than half said they were not give enough choice or information about their treatment.

A new report by a government health agency has found that Australian women are continuing to wait longer to have children.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report - titled Australia’s mothers and babies 2009 - the average age of women who gave birth in Australia has increased - from 29.0 years in 2000 to 30.0 years in 2009.

As 2012 approaches, Australia's leading medical association has urged the federal government to focus on child and youth health issues in the new year.

President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Dr Steve Hambleton has highlighted concerns such as poor diet, obesity, anxiety, depression and substance abuse as issues that need to be addressed for young people in 2012.

"It is important that as a community we focus on the health needs of young Australians, especially those from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds," he said.